DISPATCH #08
Good morning Crew and Happy New Year!
The calendar has turned and we’re rolling into the new year with grateful hearts, a little sand still in our shoes and plenty of optimism for what’s ahead. Let’s kick things off by catching up on what’s happening around the coast.
TODAY’S CATCH
Main Dish
According to Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, Orange Beach earned a spot among the best beaches in the US, landing in the top 10 thanks to its beach town charm, epic water sports, and the kind of easygoing coastal vibe that keeps beach lovers coming back year after year. From dolphin cruises to quiet morning walks along the surf, Orange Beach continues to prove it can hold its own with the biggest beach names out there.
Just east along the Gulf, neighboring beaches also brought home serious bragging rights. Pensacola Beach claimed the No. 1 spot, while Navarre Beach followed close behind at No. 2. All told, it’s a strong reminder that some of the best beaches in America aren’t far-flung at all… they’re right here on our stretch of the Gulf. the best beaches
Small Bites
New Year’s Day kicked off Gulf Coast style as thousands gathered at Flora-Bama Lounge for the 42nd Annual Polar Bear Dip, where brave souls in costumes, swimsuits and questionable judgment charged into chilly Gulf waters at the stroke of noon starting the new year off with live music, loud cheers and a whole lot of goosebumps. brrrrr!
The Foley City Council is moving ahead with plans for a new fire station on East Fern Avenue between Alabama 59 and the Foley Beach Express to better serve the growing northeast side of town, a spot officials say will improve emergency response as development continues in that area. The five-acre parcel being donated to the city will be split so half becomes the new fire station, with the other half being reserved for a future water facility. fire and water
Greek Night at the Beach is happening at the Orange Beach Event Center on January 10, bringing an indoor evening of Mediterranean flavors, music, and dancing, presented by St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church. Tickets are $100 per person and include traditional Greek dishes like spanakopita and dolmathes, plus drinks and entertainment. It’s a great excuse to shake off the cool weather, grab some friends and enjoy a lively night without leaving the coast. be Greek for a night
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo just made visiting even sweeter by rolling out new weekend discounts and special senior pricing, so locals and visitors can enjoy up-close encounters with lions, lemurs and all your favorite zoo residents without breaking the bank. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous weekend outing or a leisurely weekday adventure, there’s now even more reason to grab your sun hat, bring the crew and make some furry memories on the coast. do the zoo
WORD SCRAMBLE
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(Answer at the bottom)
ON THE MARKET
Gulf Front Paradise
Fort Morgan | 4 beds | 4 baths | 4,810 sq ft | surfs up!
Steps from the Beach with Private Pool
Orange Beach | 3 beds | 4 baths | 2,916 sq ft | play in the sand
All-Brick Beauty with Motivated Seller
Foley | 4 beds | 2 baths | 2,192 sq ft | take a look
CREW SNAPSHOT
“Another amazing sunset…in late December no less!”
Captured in Gulf Shores by a fellow Crew member
Capture any sunsets, wildlife or cool shots around town?
SNOWBIRD NEWS
The 2026 Minnesota Snowbird group has landed on the coast and meets for breakfast on Tuesday mornings beginning Jan 13th at GT's on the Bay. Registration is required one week prior to the breakfast, each week. In addition to a tasty breakfast, weekly golf events are planned. All snowbirds are welcome, old & new. It’s a great way to meet new friends, reconnect with old ones, and have a little coastal fun! see website for details
The Iowa flock has also arrived. All Iowans and their guests are welcome to join club events—no membership required, just show up and enjoy. Breakfast meetings begin on Jan 14th at GT’s on the Bay. Reserve your spot 1 week prior. There’s a cocktail party Jan 23rd at the Caribe Resort, multiple golf outings, and much more than I can fit here. These folks are havin’ fun! check the website for more
Wisconsin snowbirds are nesting here as well. From singles dinners to trivia to cards and golf, they’ve got all kinds of fun activities lined up. view their calendar
Wintering on the Gulf Coast? Tell us which state you call home — we’d love to know where our snowbirds are flocking from this year.
SEA & SKY REPORT
CURRENT CONDITIONS |
|---|
SUNRISE 6:47 am |
SUNSET 5:04 pm |
UV INDEX Moderate |
MOON Waning Gibbous |
LOW TIDE 8:17 am |
HIGH TIDE 9:56 pm |
GULF TEMP 62°F |
*Tides are at Gulf State Park Pier. Gulf temp at Perdido Pass.
FORECAST: The week starts off warm and hazy with morning fog and mostly sunny skies today and Wednesday, and highs hanging in the low 70s. Things turn a bit more unsettled late Thursday into Friday as clouds build and showers move through. For the weekend, expect highs to drop into the 60s with a mix of clouds and a few lingering showers.
TROPICAL OUTLOOK: Nothing to worry about, winter has arrived.
NIGHT SKY: Venus glows low in the west after sunset with Jupiter shining high and unmistakable overhead. As the evening deepens, familiar winter constellations like Orion, Taurus and Gemini rise into view, bringing some of the season’s best star patterns.
ADOPTABLE FRIENDS
Three great pets, one mission — find them a forever home!
Mitchell the dog
A sweet, resilient pup with a gentle heart who’s ready to leave his rescue past behind and find his forever family.
Cher the dog
A gentle girl with a calm presence and a big heart, ready to settle into a loving home where she can finally relax, feel safe and be someone’s loyal companion.
Podo the cat
A sweet, easygoing kitty with a gentle nature who’s ready to settle into a loving home where quiet companionship, soft pets and feeling safe are part of everyday life.
🎭 Blood on the Bayou Mardi Gras Show
Let the good times roll — Gelato Joe’s is bringing Mardi Gras energy with a twist. This isn’t just a show, it’s an interactive murder mystery where you get pulled into the action, piecing together clues, questioning suspects and putting those detective skills to work. Come for the beads and good vibes, stay for the suspense… and maybe a scoop of gelato while you crack the case. Doors open Friday at 6:30pm, show at 7pm.
Tuesday 6th
Art al Fresco: Glass Chip Starfish | Tacky Jack’s | Orange Beach | 10am - 1pm
History of Gulf Pirates | Nature Center at Gulf State Park | 1pm
Labubu Canvas Painting | Orange Beach Public Library | 4pm
Tween Game Bonanza | Foley Public Library | 4pm
Bingo & Karaoke | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 8pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
Wednesday 7th
Welcome Wednesday | Flora-Bama | Perdido Key | 11am - 2pm
Plants & Pollinators | Learning Campus at Gulf State Park | 1pm
Labubu Canvas Painting | Orange Beach Public Library | 4pm
Chess Club | Foley Public Library | 4pm
Bingo | Tacky Jack’s | Orange Beach | 6pm - 8pm
Open Mic Night w/ Nigel & Company | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 8pm
Live: Saucy FuzZ | The Undertow | Orange Beach | 10pm - 2am
Thursday 8th
Live: Veronica Jean Trio | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 12pm - 4pm
Beer Release: Kreweser Mardi Gras Amber Ale | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 12pm - 10pm
Alabama Bald Eagle Restoration | Learning Center at Gulf State Park | 1pm
All Ages Karaoke | Tacky Jack’s | Orange Beach | 5pm - 8pm
Trivia | The Hangout | Gulf Shores | 3pm - 4pm
Friday 9th
Guided Pier Walk | Gulf State Park Pier | 9am
Live: Smokey Otis Band | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 12pm - 4pm
Live: Dan Poer | Picnic Beach Bar & Grill | Gulf Shores | 2pm - 5pm
Pokemon Club | Orange Beach Public Library | 4pm
Live: Matt Erdman | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 9pm
Blood on the Bayou | Gelato Joe’s | Foley | 7pm
Wichita Lineman Show | AL Gulf Coast Music Hall | Foley | 7pm
84 - A Tribute to Van Halen | OWA Theater | Foley | 7:30pm
Saturday 10th
Tea & Talk Book Club | Orange Beach Public Library | 11am
Greek Night at the Beach | Orange Beach Events Center | 6pm - 11pm
Live: Strickley & Flo | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 9pm
Live: Cole Decker | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 10pm
Brandon Styles Variety Show | Brandon Styles Theater at OWA | Foley | 7pm
The Alabama Troubadours | OWA Theater | Foley | 7:30 pm
Sunday 11th
Pickleball Brunch & Rally | OWA | Foley | 1pm - 5pm
Live: Les Linton | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 1pm - 5pm
Live Brent Varner | Big Beach Brewing Co | Gulf Shores | 2pm - 6pm
Trivia Night | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 6pm - 9pm
Monday 12th
Art al Fresco: Vintage Game/Toy Jewelry | Tacky Jack’s | Gulf Shores | 10am - 1pm
Matinee Art: Candle Succulents | Orange Beach Public Library | 10:30am
*Event details are subject to change.
UNTIL NEXT TIME…
However you’re easing into the new year, I’m glad you’re here. Thanks for being part of this growing little community who loves the Alabama Gulf Coast. See ya next Tuesday and may God bless you and your crew!
Shawn
P.S. Wishing you smooth waters, good health and plenty of sunshine in the year ahead.
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Word Scramble Answer: Loggerhead